Supercell CEOs first ever blog post was, righteously so, extremely well received. But many of you may have missed major course changes communicated between the line...
In the latest TWIG we discuss:
#1 Activision's Plan to Cut Hundreds of Jobs
#2 EEDAR 2018 Q4 Round Up
#3 My most valuable retention KPIs
#4 MY TAKE ON SUPERCELL’S 2018
Hit us up on Twitter (@m_katkoff & @jokim1) to let us know, which news topics you want us to talk about next or more in-depth. Or to just let us know how we can improve.
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Zynga Inc. ended 2018 with faster-growing sales and bookings, and expects that trend to increase in 2019, but profit could be a problem.In the latest TWIG we discuss:
#1 GameStop's future in question after failing to secure buyout
#2 A Free-To-Play Titanfall Battle Royale Game Will Be Out Soon
#3 Zynga proclaims ‘turnaround is now complete’ as earnings show strong bookings trend
Hit us up on Twitter (@m_katkoff & @jokim1 @ekress) to let us know, which news topics you want us to talk about next or more in-depth. Or to just let us know how we can improve.
Also, hit the subscribe button to get notified when we deconstruct the latest news in games.

Also, Apple's new gaming subscription service.
In the latest TWIG we discuss:
#1 Destiny developer Bungie is ditching Activision after 8 years
#2 Metro Exodus will only release on the Epic Store
#3 Influencer plans say a lot about Epic Games Store’s vision of itself
#4 Apple could be working on gaming subscription service
Hit us up on Twitter (@m_katkoff & @jokim1) to let us know, which news topics you want us to talk about next or more in-depth. Or to just let us know how we can improve.
Also, hit the subscribe button to get notified when we deconstruct the latest news in games.
And finally, please do subscribe, rate and enjoy the podcast.
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Links:
VP of Business Development @ Game Refinery
www.gamerefinery.com/jobs/vp-director-business-development
Deconstructor of Fun blog
www.deconstructoroffun.com

Also, what can be expected from Epic's Android store
In the latest TWIG we discuss:
#1 Jam City announces $145m in strategic finance
#2 Epic Games store planned for launch on Android this year
#3 Why Activision and EA have dropped over 40 percent
Hit us up on Twitter (@m_katkoff & @jokim1) to let us know, which news topics you want us to talk about next or more in-depth. Or to just let us know how we can improve.
Also, hit the subscribe button to get notified when we deconstruct the latest news in games.
And finally, please do subscribe, rate and enjoy the podcast.
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Links:
VP of Business Development @ Game Refinery
www.gamerefinery.com/jobs/vp-director-business-development
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-01-16-jam-city-announces-usd145m-in-strategic-finance-just-weeks-after-layoffs?fbclid=IwAR3KjiR0hJbCv5FQDbQC1NuO_BUQd24yY9_WcEjNNfC8aWiqJpSO65P9EJk
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-01-10-epic-games-store-planned-for-launch-on-android-this-year
https://lloydmelnick.com/2019/01/19/why-activision-and-ea-have-dropped-over-40-percent/

Experts and analysts are throwing their predictions for this year. Who is using sound analysis for their predictions and who’s just winging it? Let us tell you...
In the latest TWIG we discuss:
#1 Here's what 2019 will be like for the game biz
#2 Mobile game insiders predict the biggest trends of 2019
Hit us up on Twitter (@m_katkoff & @jokim1) to let us know, which news topics you want us to talk about next or more in-depth. Or to just let us know how we can improve.
Also, hit the subscribe button to get notified when we deconstruct the latest news in games.
And finally, please do subscribe and rate, if you enjoy the podcast.
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Links to the articles:
https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/blog/2018/1/31/prediction-for-2018-mid-core-games
https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/blog/2018/1/9/prediction-for-2018-casual-games
http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/333675/Opinion_Heres_what_2019_will_be_like_for_the_game_biz.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20GamasutraNews%20(Gamasutra%20News)&fbclid=IwAR0OyI1M8lNXAO5A0UqzG__bo_8AgjCHUi36d_wz1DyfIDFqvNUi394NIjY
https://blog.applovin.com/mobile-gaming-trends-2019/

In this episode, I'm joined by Nadav Ashkenazy, who is the VP of Global Partnerships & Biz Dev at ironSource, a leading ad mediation and user acquisition platform with the largest in-app video network in the industry.
Nadav schools me on the differences of Ad Units as well as discusses the hottest monetization trends from user level data to programmatic mediation.
Most importantly though, Nadav will share the best practices on how to get the most out of your ad monetization.
——
Nadav Ashkenazy:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadav-ashkenazy-34083aba
ironSource:
www.ironsrc.com

Epic has been making moves powered by the unheard success of Fortnite. They skipped the Google's Play Store and are now planning to outplay Valve's Steam as well.
In the latest TWIG we discuss:
#1 Jam City lays off a large number of developers
#2 Epic Games launching Steam competitor
#3 Zynga CEO presents strategy to investors
Hit us up on Twitter (@m_katkoff & @jokim1) to let us know, which news topics you want us to talk about next or more in-depth. Or to just let us know how we can improve.
Also, hit the subscribe button to get notified when we deconstruct the latest news in games.
And finally, please do subscribe and rate, if you enjoy the podcast.
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Links to the articles:
https://seekingalpha.com/article/4226523-zynga-inc-znga-ceo-frank-gibeau-presents-39th-nasdaq-investors-conference-transcript?part=single&fbclid=IwAR0wORdnOCex16A9BGRBp_oBkdftvfHZbn0zHTtdFwPqI0SoTWTF-yBgASo
http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/332124/Epic_Games_launching_Steam_competitor_with_88_revenue_share_for_devs.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+GamasutraNews+%28Gamasutra+News%29
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/69576/jam-city-laid-off-a-large-number-of-developers-on-friday/

Google, Microsoft, EA, Sony or Valve, Nintendo are all gearing up their streaming services. Who will emerge as the winner when the big players collide?
In the latest TWIG we discuss:
#1 Best game subscription services of 2018
#2 PlayStation Now Rakes In $143 Million for Sony Q3 2018
#3 Microsoft unveils Project xCloud system to stream games to everything from a phone to a desktop PC - without having to buy a console
#4 Pushing the limits of streaming technology
Hit us up on Twitter (@m_katkoff & @jokim1) to let us know, which news topics you want us to talk about next or more in-depth. Or to just let us know how we can improve.
Also, hit the subscribe button to get notified when we deconstruct the latest news in games.
And finally, please do subscribe and rate, if you enjoy the podcast.
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Links to the articles:
https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/buying-advice/game/best-game-subscription-services-of-2018-3671842/
https://www.dualshockers.com/playstation-now-revenue-q3-2018/?fbclid=IwAR3aYQvIC7pCFPgRGtFQcH1vCqmYl0QNTBpVZs-qEwZFBdB4Mm7LnCDWhYI
https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/8/17950878/microsoft-xcloud-game-streaming-xbox-games-features
https://www.blog.google/technology/developers/pushing-limits-streaming-technology/

Will Jam City and Disney be a Hollywood love story?
In the lates TWIG we discuss:
#1 Jam City signs a deal with Disney
#2 Blizzard working on mobile games for all IP
#4 Flaregames restructure leads to 45 layoffs
Hit us up on Twitter (@m_katkoff & @jokim1) to let us know, which news topics you want us to talk about next or more in-depth. Or to just let us know how we can improve.
Also, hit the subscribe button to get notified when we deconstruct the latest news in games.
And finally, please do subscribe and rate, if you enjoy the podcast.
----
Links to the articles:
https://techcrunch.com/2018/11/14/jam-city-disney/
https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/blizzard-has-some-of-its-best-developers-working-on-mobile-games-for-all-ip/
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/job-news/69441/flaregames-restructure-leads-to-45-layoffs-as-ceo-klaas-kersting-steps-down/

Also, the fall of Next Games and the surging "Call of Duty Royale"
In the lates TWIG we discuss:
#1 Next Games Q3 Business Review
#2 Blizzard Wasn't Expecting Fans To Be This Angry
#3 Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 could be a Fortnite killer
In this episode, Joseph and I are joined by Eric Kress, Principal at Gossamer Consulting Group.
Hit us up on Twitter (@m_katkoff & @jokim1) to let us know, which news topics you want us to talk about next or more in-depth. Or to just let us know how we can improve.
Also, hit the subscribe button to get notified when we deconstruct the latest news in games.
And finally, if you enjoy this podcast, subscribe and rate.
----
Links to the articles:
https://www.nextgames.com/wp-site/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Next-Games-Business-Review-Q3-2018.pdf
https://kotaku.com/blizzard-says-it-wasnt-expecting-fans-to-be-this-angry-1830204721
https://media.thinknum.com/articles/battle-royale-blackout-fortnite/?fbclid=IwAR2V9tV8rdk68VVGUYo1paO1GymIiKLxiwBMlo2R78MUA5yGiz2XK_EbLe8

How does 2019 look for Glu?
In the lates TWIG we discuss:
#1 Glu Mobile redesigns its headquarters and its strategy
#2 Why Glu Mobile Inc. Stock Plunged Today
In this episode, Joseph and I are joined by Eric Kress, Principal at Gossamer Consulting Group. Together we aim to answer whether Glu is set for success with its new strategy or not.
Hit us up on Twitter (@m_katkoff & @jokim1 &) to let us know, which news topics you want us to talk about next or more in-depth. Or to just let us know how we can improve.
Also, hit the subscribe button to get notified when we deconstruct the latest news in games.
And finally, if you enjoy this podcast, subscribe and rate.
----
Links to the articles:
https://venturebeat.com/2018/02/25/glu-mobile-redesigns-its-headquarters-and-its-strategy/view-all/?fbclid=IwAR2eWbf2baS4qLMSYUhAkbtyASSC3UXc_HXxd4O8-bdTpuV86N39detmMtY
https://www.fool.com/investing/2018/10/08/why-glu-mobile-inc-stock-plunged-today.aspx

Could Ubisoft be the one for Zynga?
In the lates TWIG we discuss:
#1 Ubisoft Could Unlock a Game Changer With Zynga
We also have a returning guest, Mr. Eric Kress, Principal at Gossamer Consulting Group. Eric has held high roles in corporate strategy, capital markets research, business development, investment banking and marketing.
Eric has and is helping companies like Google, FunPlus. Sega, Kabam and EA when it comes to M&As and corporate development.

Report: Zynga attracts takeover interest
In this episode, Joseph and I are joined by Eric Kress, Principal at Gossamer Consulting Group. Together we aim to answer who could be Zynga's potential new dancing partner and why.
Hit us up on Twitter (@m_katkoff & @jokim1 &) to let us know, which news topics you want us to talk about next or more in-depth. Or to just let us know how we can improve.
Also, hit the subscribe button to get notified when we deconstruct the latest news in games.
And finally, if you enjoy this podcast, please do give us a review!

Will the Zynga's steady incline beat Nintendo's sporadic growth in the long term?
News Deconstructed in this Episode:
#1 42% of Gamers Now Use Mobile as Their Main Gaming Platform
#2 Zynga Is Well Positioned In The Favorable Video Game Market
#3 Nintendo Bets on Dragons in First Built-From-Scratch Mobile Game
Hit us up on Twitter (@m_katkoff & @jokim1) to let us know, which news topics you want us to talk about next or more in-depth. Or to just let us know how we can improve.
Also, hit the subscribe button to get notified when we deconstruct the latest news in games.

The four reasons why Telltale Games shut down.
News Deconstructed in this Episode:
#1 Telltale hit with devastating layoffs
#2 How do you evaluate a mobile game's profit potential?
#3 From the world's top Clash of Clans player to game dev
Hit us up on Twitter (@m_katkoff, @jokim1 & @heinider) to let us know, which news topics you want us to talk about next or more in-depth. Or to just let us know how we can improve.
Also, hit the subscribe button to get notified when we deconstruct the latest news in games.
Enjoy and hit us with feedback on Twitter!

Everything you need to know about esports as of today.
News Deconstructed in this Episode:
#1 Teen influencers are making thousands from gaming
#2 Activision Blizzard Management Talks Esports
#3 Overwatch League Can Bring in $480M for Activision
#4 Is the future of esports in your pocket?
Hit us up on Twitter (@m_katkoff, @jokim1 & @heinider) to let us know, which news topics you want us to talk about next or more in-depth. Or to just let us know how we can improve.
Also, hit the subscribe button to get notified when we deconstruct the latest news in games.
Enjoy and hit us with feedback on Twitter!

Everything you need to know about esports as of today.
News Deconstructed in this Episode:
#1 Teen influencers are making thousands from gaming
#2 Activision Blizzard Management Talks Esports
#3 Overwatch League Can Bring in $480M for Activision
#4 Is the future of esports in your pocket?
Hit us up on Twitter (@m_katkoff, @jokim1 & @heinider) to let us know, which news topics you want us to talk about next or more in-depth. Or to just let us know how we can improve.

This Week In Games:
#1 Super Mario Creator Warns Gaming Industry: Don’t Be Too Greedy
#2 Influencers and Community Revolt Against Marvel Strike Force
#3 Epic Games named the World’s top Mobile Games Company
#4 Fortnite’s Day in the Sun May Be Over
Hit us up on Twitter (@m_katkoff & @jokim1) to let us know, which news topics you want us to talk about next or more in-depth. Or to just let us know how we can improve.
Also, hit the subscribe button to get notified when we deconstruct the latest news in games.
Enjoy and hit us with feedback on Twitter!

News Deconstructed in this Episode:
#1 Zynga Partners With Disney For New Star Wars Games
#2 How does Legend of Solgard engage, retain and monetise?
#3 Supercell's Brawl Stars Grew Revenue by 616% in July
Hit us up on Twitter (@m_katkoff & @jokim1) to let us know, which news topics you want us to talk about next or more in-depth. Or to just let us know how we can improve.
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Enjoy and hit us with feedback on Twitter!

This topic was probably the most difficult and definitely most sensitive we've tackled on Deconstructor of Fun podcast.
Huge thanks to the powerful ladies from Supercell who didn't shy away from discussing this sensitive topic shaping our industry and who are on the forefront of not only game development but also improving the industry as a whole.
Hope you get out as much out of this episode as we did.

News Deconstructed in this Episode:
#1 Strained relationships of Riot and Tencent
#2 Clash Royale’s New Pro League
#3 Revenue Potential of Battle Royale Modes
Hit us up on Twitter (@m_katkoff & @jokim1) to let us know, which news topics you want us to talk about next or more in-depth. Or to just let us know how we can improve.
Also, hit the subscribe button to get notified when we deconstruct the latest news in games.
Enjoy and hit us with feedback on Twitter!

News Deconstructed in this Episode:
#1 Chinese Games Raked in More Than $600M in the US
#2 Why Arena of Valor is Struggling in America
#3 Discord Sets Sights on Steam, Launches Online Store
#4 Knights of Fury is the Latest Game from King, but it’s Not What You’d Expect
Hit us up on Twitter (@m_katkoff & @jokim1) to let us know, which news topics you want us to talk about next or more in-depth. Or to just let us know how we can improve.
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Enjoy and hit us with feedback on Twitter!

Welcome to This Week In Games, a podcast series from the fine people at Deconstructor of Fun.
News Deconstructed in this Episode:
#1 Confirmed: Fortnite on Android will drive its bus past Google’s 30% cut
#2 Google and Unity Partner for Mobile Game Ads
#3 Activision to Adapt More IPs as Mobile Games
#4 Activision and Tencent Bringing New ‘Call of Duty’ Mobile Game To China
Hit us up on Twitter (@m_katkoff & @jokim1) to let us know, which news topics you want us to talk about next or more in-depth. Or to just let us know how we can improve.
Also, hit the subscribe button to get notified when we deconstruct the latest news in games.
Enjoy and hit us with feedback on Twitter!

Welcome to This Week In Games, a podcast series from the fine people at Deconstructor of Fun.
News Deconstructed in this Episode:
#1 Supercell’s Clash Royale plunders $2 billion in revenues in two years
#2 Konami announces Super Smash Bros inspired Shonen Jump
#3 Apple features Super Evil’s Vainglory in ‘Unleash’ video
#4 Fortnite may bypass Google Play for Android release
Hit us up on Twitter (@m_katkoff & @jokim1) to let us know, which news topics you want us to talk about next or more in-depth. Or to just let us know how we can improve.
Also, hit the subscribe button to get notified when we deconstruct the latest news in games.
Enjoy and hit us with feedback on Twitter!

Welcome to This Week In Games, a podcast series from the fine people at Deconstructor of Fun.
News Deconstructed in this Episode:
1. AppLovin enters publishing
2. Jam City's potential IPO
3. Nexon's upcoming Marvel: Battle Lines
Hit us up on Twitter (@m_katkoff & @jokim1) to let us know, which news topics you want us to talk about next or more in-depth. Or to just let us know how we can improve.
Also, hit the subscribe button to get notified when we deconstruct the latest news in games.
Enjoy!

Welcome to This Week In Games, a podcast series from the fine people at Deconstructor of Fun.
The concept is simple:
- Your hosts are Joseph Kim (@jokim1) and myself, Mishka Katkoff (@m_katkoff)
- We highlight and deconstruct few of the most relevant latest news in games
- Most importantly, we keep it (relatively) short
Hit us up on twitter to let us know, which news topics you want us to talk about next or more. Also, hit the subscribe button to get notified when we deconstruct the latest news in games.

What are the pros and cons when working with a big IP? What are the common challenges and pitfalls when working with an IP holder? And most importantly, how to avoid those pitfalls while reaping all the benefits that an IP provides. In this episode, I'm joined by Joseph Kim (SVP Games and Digital Platforms @ NBC Universal), who will answer the questions above and help you to navigate the promising yet challenging waters of big IPs. Hope you enjoy the podcast! Stay in touch with me, your host, and Joseph Kim: @jokim1 joe.kim@nbcuni.com @deconfun @m_katkoff

During the past few months, Battle Royale games have taken the mobile market by a storm racking up a whopping 190M installs and $110M in little less than 4 months (source: Sensor Tower)! Not to mention streaming, where Fortnite reached over 2.4 billion views in February alone.
In this podcast, Anil and I look at the staggering numbers. We talk about the game and core loops of Battle Royale games, we analyze the monetization of these games and we discuss the future of the genre.
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This podcast was brought to you by Matchmade, an amazing platform that connects games with YouTubers and vice versa. Visit www.matchmade.tv to learn more about how you can leverage influencers to grow your games.

As we all know, influencer marketing is about as hot of a buzzword as eSports. And just like with eSports, the key questions revolve around ROI, targeting and scaling. But what makes a good influencer campaign and what are the trends in the world of streaming? This podcast answers those two and many more questions.
I'm joined by Jiri Kupiainen, CEO of Matchmade. Jiri is an old skool game developer who dropped out of high school to make games and ended up building a game company which he sold to Disney. After working as a VP at Disney, Jiri got back to making indie games, where he faced the issue of discovery. This issue got him pivoting his company from building games to helping other game companies to get their games discovered - through influencers.

What makes game designers tick? What are the different designer types? How to overcome typical designer pitfalls? These questions and more are discussed in this podcast with Florian Ziegler, lead designer at EA's super successful Firemonkeys studio in Melbourne.